Overexertion Injuries Happen Over Time in Industrial Environments

Industrial accidents often happen in an instant. Electrocutions, toxic chemical exposure, and falling objects are just some of the most common causes of industrial accidents that happen very quickly. However, not all injuries from industrial accidents appear right away. Sometimes, injuries in industrial spaces are not caused by an accident at all. They are simply the result of the duties industrial workers perform. Overexertion is one such injury.

While injuries such as overexertion happen over time, workers can still often file a claim for compensation. Below, our Baton Rouge industrial accident lawyer explains more about this type of injury.

Understanding Overexertion Injuries

Overexertion occurs when a person pushes themselves too hard. Overexertion can happen when a person works too hard physically, or when they mentally push past their capabilities. Everyone has their own physical and mental limits, but there are some people who are more at risk of suffering from overexertion. Older individuals, people suffering from certain health conditions, and those who work in certain environments are more prone to overexertion injuries.

In industrial workplaces, overexertion injuries are very common. This is due to the fact that industrial workers often have to lift, push, pull, and hold or carry heavy objects as part of their job.

Common Causes of Overexertion Injuries

Overexertion injuries can happen gradually over time, or they may happen right away. Some of the most common causes of overexertion injuries are as follows:

• Repetitive movements: Repetitive movements happen when a muscle or joint is active for a long period of time. The repetition puts strain on the body, which can result in discomfort or pain. Working on an assembly line, typing or writing, and using a computer mouse are some of the most common types of overexertion injuries caused by repetitive movements.
• Improper technique: Improper technique refers to when a task or activity is done incorrectly. This places stress on the bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissues, causing an overexertion injury. A few common examples of improper technique include sitting with poor posture, lifting items improperly, and standing in awkward positions.
• Sudden body movements: Forceful, sudden movements can also result in an overexertion injury. Industrial workers often have to twist, bend, push, pull, reach, and throw. Any of these sudden movements can result in an overexertion injury.
• Prolonged activity: Regularly engaging in an activity without sufficient breaks causes the body to become fatigued. Working on an assembly line or doing other strenuous work for a long period of time can cause an overexertion injury. Working many days in a row without a day off can also cause an overexertion injury. Prolonged activity can cause physical injury, but it can also result in mental injuries.

Preventing an Overexertion Injury

While overexertion injuries may seem unavoidable, that is not true. There are many steps workers and employees can take to prevent overexertion injuries. These are as follows:

• Follow safety regulations: Employers in industrial settings must make sure they follow the safety regulations outlined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Employers should also train workers to follow these safety regulations and ensure everyone complies with them at all times.
• Understand risks and limitations: All workers should understand the risks they face on the job and how to avoid them. Employees should also be aware of their own limitations so they do not suffer an overexertion injury.
• Take frequent breaks: All workers should take regular breaks to prevent overuse of muscles and joints. Employers should always make sure employees take adequate breaks and that they have regular days off so they can rest.
• Know the signs of injury: Early detection is always important any time someone suffers an injury. Spotting the signs of an overexertion injury early is important so the body can get some rest and mitigate the severity of the injury.

Steps to Take After an Overexertion Injury

Whether you can file a personal injury claim or a workers’ compensation claim after an overexertion injury, it is critical that you take the right steps afterward. The steps you take now can either help or hurt any future claim you may file. The most important steps to take include:

• Tell your employer immediately: Most workplaces will have a form you should fill out after any type of injury. When an overexertion injury is due to repetitive use, such as carpal tunnel, incident reports may not be necessary. Still, it is important to report the injury so it is documented in the workplace.
• Seek medical treatment: If your injury is an emergency, you should call 911 or have someone else onsite call. If it is not an emergency, you should still leave work and visit an emergency room immediately. Getting immediate medical treatment will ensure your injuries do not become worse and it will also document them to prove your case.
• Document how the accident occurred: Regardless of what type of claim you file, it is critical that you are able to provide as much detailed information as possible about how the accident occurred. It is important to document how the accident occurred as soon as possible. Over time, your memories may fade and you may forget important details.
• Document how your injury has impacted your life: An overexertion injury may prevent you from enjoying the things you once did, performing basic daily tasks, and going to work to earn a living. It is important to document these losses so you can obtain the full amount of compensation you need.

Our Industrial Accident Lawyers in Baton Rouge Can Help With Your Injury Claim

If you believe you have suffered an overexertion injury, our Baton Rouge industrial accident lawyers at Big River Trial Attorneys can help. Our experienced attorneys can advise on which type of claim to file, protect your health, and uphold your rights so you obtain the full and fair compensation you are entitled to. Call us now at (225) 963-9638 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.